A Flashlight for a Server room / Data closet / data center

[squaat]

I was wondering if you had to choose a light for working in a server room / data closet / data center what would you choose?

I was recently tasked with this and here are some of the constraints.

1. must be simple (tech nerds are not all flashaholics) so mode changing should not be required or be really obvious.
2. preferably turns on immediately in a medium brightness (20 - 50 lumens depending on beam pattern), the less need for mode changing the better
3. usable a short ranges (as it will probably mostly be used to see into computers or behind network patches or under the floors for cabling.)
4. not a head lamp (I know a head lamp is the best here, but I don't see your average tech guy strapping on a head lamp, well not the cool ones in my office anyway)
5. Preferably runs on standard batteries, AAA, AA, D, C
6. money is not really an object here.

So I was in a rush to get the standard server room kit together, so I've gone out and bought this already. For me it was a toss up between the fenix ld12, e11, and mc11.

They were all easy to use, had decent mediums and could be setup to turn on into medium brightness. For ui the ld12 or e11 were the most brain dead. The mc11 acceptable as I could put it in med and the memory would take care of it.

I was leaning towards the e11, but my local store (warriors and wonders in vancouver) was out. I was pretty set on the ld12, but then at the last moment chose the mc11 because of it's shape, ability to act like a work lamp and it's included diffuser.

the only other thoughts I had was a 4Sevens P0, but it doesn't instantly turn on at a decent brightness. I thought the magnet would have been handy (though also not the greatest around Hard drives)

Also consider the fenix LD05 or 4Sevens Preon2, as a pen shaped light would have been rather handy too.

So given the constraints what would you buy?

[archimedes]

If cost is really truly no object, I would recommend the McGizmo SunDrop, either 1xCR123A tube or 2xAA tube ...

[fiberguy]

I don't know a lot about the high end smaller lights, but I've always used mini mags in server rooms. I know there have to be better alternatives when you say money isn't much of an issue, but the mini mag is small, quick, dependable, and has an adjustable beam. It'll take plenty of drops and they're cheap enough to have spares. Also, Terralux makes a drop in that can give you gobs more light. It's basically like switching the light bulb. In a situation where you need both hands most guys wouldn't object to sticking a mini mag in their mouth (provided it was their own) making it very handy. I'm sure it misses the mark for you in some regard, I'm just not sure what that is yet. I'm interested to see some of the other suggests for myself though, as I find myself in a server room or two from time to time..

[Brand X]

I use an HDS Rotary for this exact purpose. I can turn it on at any level, but mostly around 10 lumens. Adjusting levels is easy as well as switching modes. Small enough to fit in my pants pocket.

[squaat]

probably should have said that this will live in a toolbox in the data closet so it will be used by multiple people, most of which have probably never come across a multimode flashlight. That's why for the people who don't care they should be able to turn it on and have it come on at a reasonable level. Also I might not be there to change the batteries, so that's why standard AA batteries is prefered. Wanted this to be a real KISS light.

I was going to choose the LD11, because it's mode switching was quite obvious, ie: the extra button.

I instead chose the MC11, as because of it's versatility and supplied diffuser. (the ability to have it clipped to a shirt, or standing on a rack and point up or down is huge for hands fee usage)

the only down side i could see is that the mode switching is non-obvious even to flashaholics (took me a bit longer than I care to admit to get it). However hopefully the memory mode will compensate for that.

Time will tell. the HDS Rotary is a good idea, anything with a selector like ring would be good.

[CarpentryHero]

From Fenix the E11, LD05 or E05 would probably do nicely for most your tasks.
LDO5 is a two aaa light, penlight size, with a med low high UI
e05 is a 30 lumen floody twist keychain (one mode)

Streamlight Microstream or the Pelican 1920 are both 2aaa lights that'd do very well, sturdy and single mode
streamlight is 48 lumens, and the Pelican is 69 lumens, each of these lights have a single cell alternative

[calipsoii]

I spend a fair amount of time in a server closet, so speaking as a flashaholic with dozens and dozens of lights at home, here's my suggestion:

Peak Eiger 1xAAA /w QTC

It has a dead simple interface for loaning to coworkers.
It runs on a very common battery.
Get the long keychain model: you'll always have it on your keys, but you can also unscrew it from your keychain and use it stand-alone. Plus it tailstands.
High CRI doesn't provide that many benefits when working with computers, but if you prefer the lower color temp (as I do) that option is available.
It runs on 1xAAA which means its light enough that it can spend 90% of it's time clenched in your mouth while you work.

[aL01]

I was wondering if you had to choose a light for working in a server room / data closet / data center what would you choose?

I build computers & use a Quark AA^2 Tactical-

1. must be simple (tech nerds are not all flashaholics) so mode changing should not be required or be really obvious.

Tactical is programmed to any two modes you choose-

2. preferably turns on immediately in a medium brightness (20 - 50 lumens depending on beam pattern), the less need for mode changing the better

Tactical tail switch is easy to use...has L-M-H and others-

3. usable a short ranges (as it will probably mostly be used to see into computers or behind network patches or under the floors for cabling.)

Perfect-

4. Preferably runs on standard batteries, AAA, AA, D, C

Runs on AA alkalines or NiMH (I use Eneloops)-

5. money is not really an object here.

About $57 and bullet-proof...